NFL Trade Rumors: Patriots Interested In Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas

The New England Patriots (6-2) are reportedly looking to bring in wide receivers ahead of the trade deadline Tuesday.

It was first reported by Michael Giardi of NFL Network that they were interested in Denver Broncos veteran Demaryius Thomas, notably drafted by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when he was head coach of the Broncos.

NFL Network's Ian Rappaport then reported Monday the Patriots were also interested in Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions, adding that Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon's lack of discipline is a factor for their interest in the two.

Gordon, who was only acquired earlier last month in a trade, was to be disciplined for tardiness by head coach Bill Belichick and was expected to miss the first quarter of Monday night's 25-6 win over the Buffalo Bills.

However, he ended up starting the game as he finished with four receptions for 42 yards.

"That's going to be a question you got to ask coach about but as it relates to the game, I was available so that's a plus," Gordon told reporters after the game when asked about his tardiness. "...I got to check on everything, you know. I'm not too sure about what's out there myself [about the current situation]. I couldn't even give you an answer."

While tardiness is a minor issue compared to the drug violations from Gordon's past, it could be that the Patriots are either looking for a more professional wide receiver in their ranks or are already fed up of the 27-year-old.

Tate fits the bill if it's the former, having not been fined or suspended since 2013, as well as posting 517 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions on 44 catches this season so far.

In addition, the Lions are reportedly open to trading him with many teams interested in the 30-year-old; however, Detroit would require a big offer to mandate a deal.

It must be noted though, that Tate will be a free agent at the end of the season, as he is in the final year of the five-year, $31 million contract he signed back in 2014.

As for Thomas, he is currently posting 36 receptions for 402 yards and three touchdowns this season so far, with the Broncos believed to be open to trading him as well, though reports from last week claim it is unlikely.

Thomas is notably owed $14 million in base salary in 2019.

In reality, the Patriots do not need either as even without Gordon, they still have the likes of Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson, while the duo of Rob Gronkowski and James White also contribute enormously with receving passes.

However, adding either or both Tate and Thomas, each of whom is likely to cost New England a mid-round pick, would only further improve their offensive unit and the options quarterback Tom Brady will have.